?


    Candice''s emotions swirled as she anxiously muttered, "It''s me."


    Elio''s breathing grew heavy. Ovee with nerves, he found himself speechless for a long moment. Unsure of why Candice had called, he waited for her to continue.


    "Are you... free?" Candice asked timidly, her voice barely above a whisper.


    "Yes, I''m free," Elio replied immediately.


    "Could we meet and talk in person?"


    "Of course," Elio responded without hesitation. He then added, "Where should we meet? I cane to pick you up."


    Candice paused to think. Realizing that everywhere was crowded and they risked being seen, she decided on a safer approach. "You don''t have to pick me up. I''lle to your ce instead. I''ll be there in half an hour."


    "Alright," Elio replied.


    Once she hung up, Candice rose to her feet, put on a mask, and stepped out of the public restroom.


    Elio was sitting in his car en route to the airport. After ending the call, he firmly instructed, "Turn around and head back home."N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    "But Mr. Hoffis, the flight is about to depart," Sean said.


    "Cancel the event. We''re going home immediately," Eliomanded with unwavering seriousness.


    Sean knew better than to argue further, especially after overhearing that the call was from Candice.


    For Elio, missing a seasonunch event was negotiable-it could be canceled, postponed, or even skipped. However, missing any chance to see Candice was out of the question.


    Sean rerouted and headed to Elio''s vi.


    Half an hourter, Candice arrived at Hillside Vi. As she reached for the doorbell, the door swung open.


    Sean stood there, already anticipating her arrival. He greeted her respectfully, "Hello, Ms. Morrison. Pleasee in."


    Candice was a bit surprised to see Sean. She nodded and thanked him swiftly before making her way into the vi. Passing through the meticulously tended front garden, she headed toward the main house.


    In the doorway stood Elio, d in a crisp white shirt and sleek ck trousers, exuding elegance and striking handsomeness. His prating gaze locked onto Candice with intensity.


    Every time Candiceid eyes on him, her heart would dance in her chest, setting off a flurry of nerves. It felt as though a wild rabbit was living in her heart, its frantic jumps leaving her breathless.


    She found herself rooted to the spot when she was about three feet away from Elio. She struggled to find the right words to begin their conversation.


    Flio''s voice broke through the tension. ''Come in and have a seat."


    Candice nodded in response and walked past Elio. As she brushed past him, she couldn''t shake off the uneasiness coursing through her.


    She sat rigidly on the couch, her back unnaturally straight. Lowering her head, she toyed with her thumbs in silence.


    After closing the door, Elio approached Candice. ''Would you like something to drink?" Candice paused for a moment before responding, "Just water, please.""


    Elio fetched a ss of water and handed it to her. Candice epted it with both hands and thanked him. After taking a sip, she set the ss on the coffee table. Elio''s concern deepened as he noticed Candice''s anxious expression. He asked, What''s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" He took a seat on the armchair next to her.


    Visibly flustered, Candice nced around before asking, "Is anyone else in the house?"


    Elio leaned forward, resting his elbow on his knee. His Adam''s apple bobbed, and his voice softened as he reassured her. "No, it''s just us here."


    Candice then carefully reached into her pocket and pulled out a pregnancy test strip wrapped in tissue, which she handed to Elio.


    Elio had a vacant look on his face as he gently unwrapped the tissue. He was momentarily stunned when he saw the test strip.


    His expression tightened, his hands trembled slightly, and his voice took on a deeper tone. ''What does this mean?"